Paper fastener



May 16, 19 50 E. KERN 2,507,912

PAPER FASTENER Filed Sept. 15, 1948 FIG.|

Y wl, war/M ATTORNEYS Patented May 16, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

PAPER FASTENE-R Emil Kern, Flushing, N. Y.

Application September 15, 1948, Serial No. 49,402

2 Claims.

This invention relates to paper fasteners of the type employing a base with prongs which extend through the file of papers and a compressor applied to the prongs to hold the papers securely, and more particularly to an improved and simplified construction which permits operation of such devices with more facility.

In the more commonly used type of paper fastener, the compressor is provided with openings to receive the prongs and with slides or loops which are adjusted to cover the ends of the prongs after the latter are bent over the compressor. Such devices are relatively intricate and diificult to manufacture and are, therefore, expensive. They are also sometimes difiicult to operate. Since the function to be accomplished is simple, a less expensive means for accomplishing it is obviously advantageous.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a paper fastener which is simple and inexpensive and will securely hold a file of papers.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood by reference to the following specification and the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a sectional view illustrating the paper fastener with the compressor in place to hold the file of papers;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the compressor applied;

Fig. 3 is a plan view illustrating the mode of application of the compressor;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the compressor as a separate element; and

Fig. 5 is a section on the line 55 of Fig. 4.

Referring to the drawing, 5 indicates a file of papers having punched openings 6 therein to receive the prongs 1 and 8 on a base 9. Such devices are commonly employed in paper fasteners and form no part of the present invention.

The compressor H) consists of a strip of Wire, preferably of mild steel, and adapted to be formed readily and to have resiliency. The compressor consists of a longitudinally extending portion II which is preferably straight, though not necessarily so. It is formed at opposite ends by bending to afford loops l2 and I3. The ends of the wire beyond the loops are bent at an acute angle, forming U-shaped members l4 and which overlie the longitudinally extending portion H. The device can be formed readily by the use of dies from a continuous strip of wire and without Waste.

In applying the compressor, the ends of the prongs 1 and 8 are first bent toward each other over the file of papers. The loop I2 is slipped over the prong l and the compressor is then turned in a Swinging motion from the position indicated in Fig. 3 to that indicated in Fig. 2, so that the U-shaped portion l5 passes over while the longitudinally extending portion H of the fastener passes under the end of the prong 8. The fastener is then securely held by friction and locks the prongs 'l and 8.

To release the prongs, the operation is merely reversed. By the application of slight pressure, the compressor can be moved to the position indicated in Fig. 3 and withdrawn so that the prongs can be unbent for the addition of more papers to the file. The compressor can then be returned to the position indicated in Fig. 2 to hold the file securely.

The compressor as described may be manufactured cheaply and efiiciently from wire. The application of the compressor in the manner indicated is both simple and efiective, enabling a person using the file to remove or insert papers at will by simple manipulation of the compressor.

Various changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of the device without departing from the invention or sacrificing the advantages thereof.

I claim:

1. In a paper fastener having a base and prongs adapted to pass through and to be bent over a file of papers, the improvement comprising a compressor consisting of a wire having a longitudinally extending portion and end portions bent to form loops at opposite ends of the longitudinally extending portion, the ends of the wire beyond the loops being bent at an acute angle and forming U-shaped members overlying the longitudinally extending portion inwardly of the loops and adapted to engage the bent ends of the prongs to lock the latter securely.

2. In a paper fastener having a base and prongs adapted to pass through and to be bent over a file of papers, the improvement comprising a compressor consisting of a wire having a substantially straight longitudinally extending portion and end portions bent to form loops at opposite ends of the longitudinally extending portion, the ends of the wire beyond the loops being bent at an acute angle and forming U-shaped members overlying the longitudinally extending portion inwardly of the loops and adapted to engage the bent ends of the prongs to lock the latter securely.

ElWIL KERN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,280,434 Fisher Oct. 1, 1918 1,336,998 Bottle Apr. 13, 1920 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 214,039 Germany Oct. 2, 1909 

